Baby holding and entertaining apparatus

ABSTRACT

A child play gym system includes a canopy that may be formed by a number of rods. A canopy track may be fixedly coupled to a particular rod, and a canopy clip may be slidingly coupled with the canopy track. A base may be coupled to the canopy so that the canopy arches over the base. A base track may be fixedly coupled to the base, and a base clip may be slidingly coupled with the base track. An item may include a body and a coupling member and may be coupled to the body by a tether. The coupling member may be resilient so that the item may be coupled to the canopy clip or the pad clip when the coupling member is compressed and inserted within an opening of the one of the clips so that the tether extends at least partially through the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/619,481, entitled “TOY ATTACHMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS,”filed Nov. 16, 2009. This application is also a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/827,768, entitled “SHOPPING CARTLINER WITH TOY ATTACHMENT SYSTEM,” filed Jun. 30, 2010. This applicationis also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/827,823, entitled “STROLLER LINER WITH TOY ATTACHMENT SYSTEM,” filedJun. 30, 2010. The above three applications are each acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/827,870,entitled “PILLOW WITH TOY ATTACHMENT SYSTEM,” filed Jun. 30, 2010. Theentireties of all of the above patent applications are herebyincorporated by reference for all intents and purposes.

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. ______/______,______ entitled “PLAY MAT AND SYSTEM,” filed on even date herewith, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all intentsand purposes.

BACKGROUND

Various kinds of equipment and accessories have been developed forfacilitating the care of infants and young children. While safety may beof primary importance, it is also desirable that child care equipmentcontribute to the mental and physical development of the child, providestimulation and entertainment for the child, and be convenient to use.

SUMMARY

This Summary does not in any way limit the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In one aspect, a baby holding an entertaining apparatus, such as a playgym system is disclosed. The system may include a canopy formed by aplurality of rods. The rods may be semi-rigid in the sense that they maybe stiff enough to remain substantially straight when unstressed, theymay lightly resist bending, and they may regain substantial straightnesswhen any bending force is removed. A canopy track, that may in somecases include a rod-like member, may be fixedly coupled to orincorporated with one or more of the plurality of semi-rigid rods. Acanopy clip or other slidable member may be slidingly coupled with thecanopy arches over the base. Optionally, a base track, that in somecases may include a rod-like member, may be fixedly coupled to thepadded base. A base clip, or other slidable member, may be slidinglycoupled with the base track. In some embodiments, the padded base maynot include the base track. The system may further include at least oneitem, such as a toy or other baby entertainment device, that includes amain body and a coupling member coupled to the main body by a tether.The coupling member may be resilient and/or compressible so that theitem may be coupled to the canopy clip or the pad clip by compressingthe coupling member and inserting it within an opening of the canopyclip or the pad clip. In this way, the tether extends at least partiallythrough the opening.

In one aspect, the coupling member may be a ball-like padded itemenclosed by a piece of fabric that may be compressible to a size smallerthan the opening. In this way, when the coupling member is compressedand passed through the opening, the coupling member and the main bodyare exposed on opposite sides of the opening. As another example, thecoupling member may be a padded item enclosed by a piece of fabric thatmay be compressible to a size smaller than the opening by folding thepadded item (optionally, by folding about a seam of the padded item) sothat when the coupling member is folded and passed through the opening,the coupling member and the main body are exposed on opposite sides ofthe opening. In some cases, the coupling member may be shaped like aball, a block, a pyramid, a button, a tree leaf, a flower, an animal, awing, or the like.

In a further aspect, the child care equipment system may also include afirst fabric covering the canopy track, and a second fabric coveringeach of the plurality of rods. The canopy track may be fixedly coupledto one of the rods by coupling the first fabric covering the canopytrack to the second fabric that covers each of the rods. However, itwill be appreciated that in some cases the canopy track made not includea fabric cover. Merely by way of example, the canopy track (as well asthe other tracks described herein) could be an uncovered rod, such as aplastic rod) that is directly exposed to the base clip or other slidablemember. For instance, the track could comprise an extruded plastic rodwith an extended flange that can be used to couple to the rod to thebase pad.

In a further aspect, components of the child care equipment system maybe configured as a play gym, a play yard, a playpen, a swing, a babybouncer, a stroller, a changing pad or a changing pad cover. In anotheraspect, the item may be a toy, a doll, a ball, a mirror, a block, apyramid, a teething ring, a toy shaped like an animal or insect, a toyshaped like a plant or flower, an item that generates sound, an itemthat generates vibration, an item that generates light, or the like.

In one particular arrangement, the system may also include at least onepillow that has at least one flexible loop coupled thereto. The item maybe coupled to the loop when the coupling member is compressed and passedthrough an opening of the loop so that at least a portion of the tetheris positioned within the opening of the loop.

In another embodiment, a piece of child care equipment is disclosed. Theequipment may include a plurality of semi-rigid rods that form a frame.The equipment may include a canopy track coupled to a particular one ofthe semi-rigid rods. The canopy track may be, for example, a rod that isenclosed in a fabric sleeve, or a track that presents a differentmechanical feature for slidably engaging one or more features thereto.The equipment may include a slidable member, such as a ring-shaped framemember, having a passage that is slidably engaged with the track, and anopening for attaching an item to the frame member. The equipment mayinclude a base coupled to the frame. The base may include a paddingenclosed by a fabric. The base may include a base track coupled to aportion of the fabric. The base track may include mechanical featuresthat are similar to those discussed above in connection with the canopytrack. The base may include a ring-shaped base member having a passagethat is engaged with the base track and an opening for attaching theitem to the base pad. The base may include a plurality of resilientcoupling members spaced apart and each affixed to an edge of the basevia a tether. Further, a flexible loop may be positioned at an end ofeach of the plurality of semi-rigid rods. This loop defines an openingso that one of the coupling members may be compressed and positionedthrough the opening to couple the frame to the pad.

In one aspect, the semi-rigid rods may form a tripod frame, may beintegrally formed together, and/or may be coupled together by aremovable coupling. In another aspect, the piece of child care equipmentmay include a fabric that covers the canopy track, and the frame membermay include a passage that is in contact with the fabric covering thecanopy track. Further, the piece of child care equipment may include afabric covering the base track, and the base may include a passage thatis in contact with the fabric covering the base track.

In a further embodiment, a play gym is disclosed. The play gym mayinclude a padded base including at least three resilient members spacedapart and each affixed to an edge of the base by a tether. The paddedbase may include a track, such as a base cylindrical member, fixedlycoupled to a surface of the base. The padded base may include a baseclip or other slidable member that is slidingly coupled with the basecylindrical member. The play gym may include a frame coupleable to thepadded base and including at least three poles. The frame may include atrack, such as a frame cylindrical member, fixedly coupled to a surfaceof one of the poles. The frame may include a frame clip, or otherslidable member, slidingly coupled with the frame cylindrical member.The frame may include a resilient loop positioned at an end of each ofthe poles. The loop defines an opening so that the tether of one of theresilient members extends at least partially through the opening whenthe one of the resilient members is compressed and inserted within theopening, thereby coupling a corresponding pole to the base. In oneaspect, a padded material may cover each one of the poles, and a fabricmay cover the padded material. In one aspect, the base clip may includea passage that is in contact with a fabric covering the framecylindrical member. The frame clip may include a passage that is incontact with a fabric covering the base cylindrical member. The baseclip and/or the frame clip may be formed from a plastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure may be more completely understood inconsideration of the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first example play gym in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the play gym of FIG. 1 with some of its parts separated.

FIG. 3 shows a magnified view of one end of a track of the play gym ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a first example item that may be attached to the play gymof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a second example item attached to the play gym of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A shows a first example clip in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6B shows a second example clip in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6C shows the clip of FIG. 6B in alternate perspective.

FIG. 7 shows a second example play gym in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows the play gym of FIG. 7 with some of its parts separated.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C illustrate coupling of a coupling member to a tetheredmember in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C illustrate an example item being attached to theplay gym of

FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 shows movement of an example clip of the play gym of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 shows a variety of items coupled with a play mat portion of theplay gym of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 shows an example play mat in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a magnified view of one end of a track of the play mat ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section of a portion of the play mat of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C show steps for coupling of an exemplary item to theplay mat of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of attaching a track at a seam of apiece of child care equipment.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of attaching a track at a seam of apiece of child care equipment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of attaching a track at a seam of apiece of child care equipment.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of attaching a track at an edge of asingle-thickness piece of child care equipment.

FIG. 21 shows another way of attaching a track to a piece of child careequipment, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate one way of capturing the ends of a piece offoam welt in a seam, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 23A and 23B schematically illustrate a method of forming acoupling that joins legs of a canopy, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include child care equipment, suchas play gyms and play mat systems, and methods of attaching toys orother items to child care equipment.

In some embodiments, the child care equipment may be configured toinclude a track, such as a rod or other rigid member with a continuousouter surface, and a sliding member that moves along the track. Thesliding member may be configured so that one or more toys or other itemsmay be easily and/or releasably attached thereto. Toys or other attacheditems may be interchanged and moved to different locations as desired.For example, the track may be suspended above a baby in a play gym, andtoys hanging from the track may be moved to be within the baby's reach.A track may also be part of another kind of equipment, such as a pad orpillow or play mat, and attached toys or other items may be moved to alocation where the child is lying. Other kinds of attachments may alsobe provided. The track may be, for example, a rod that is completelyembedded within the piece of equipment, such as within a fabric sleeve,with the clip sliding over the fabric sleeve. Alternatively, the trackmay be coupled to the equipment such that the track remains exposed. Inthis way, the clip slides directly over the track. The track may form anoutwardly convex shape that a slidable member can partially enclose soas to engage with the member, or the track may form a groove, withinwhich a slidable member can engage. In either such case, the track maypresent a constant cross-sectional profile to the slidable member, andtherefore the track may advantageously be formed by extrusion, for lowmanufacturing cost.

In an aspect, a child care equipment system is disclosed. The system mayinclude a mat formed from a cushion material enclosed by fabric. Aflexible rod-like element with a substantially continuous outer surfacemay be fixedly coupled to a portion of the mat. A fastener may beslidingly coupled with the rod-like element. The system may include atleast one article that includes a first item coupled to a second item bya length of material. The first item may be resilient so that thearticle is coupled to the fastener when the first item is compressed andpassed through an opening of the fastener so that at least a portion ofthe length of material is positioned within the opening.

In an aspect, a play mat is disclosed. The play mat may include abatting material enclosed by a first fabric. The play mat may include arod-like element covered by a second fabric that is connected to thefirst fabric. The rod-like element may exhibit a substantially smoothouter surface. The play mat may include a fastener including an openingand a slot. The slot may include a surface in contact with the secondfabric so that the fastener is slidingly engaged with the rod-likeelement. The opening may be sized so that when a first item of anarticle that includes the first item coupled to a second item by alength of material is compressed and passed through the opening, atleast a portion of the length of material is positioned within theopening.

In an aspect, a play mat is disclosed. The play mat may include abatting material enclosed by a fabric. The play mat may include a firstand second pocket each fixedly coupled to the fabric. The play mat mayinclude a rod-like element that has a substantially smooth outersurface. A first end of the rod-like element may be positioned withinthe first pocket and a second end of the rod-like element may bepositioned within the second pocket. The play mat may include a fastenerincluding an opening and a slot. The slot may include a surface incontact with the second fabric so that the fastener is slidingly engagedwith the rod-like element. The opening may be sized so that when a firstitem of an article that includes the first item coupled to a second itemby a length of material is compressed and passed through the opening, atleast a portion of the length of material is positioned within theopening.

FIG. 1 shows a first example play gym 100 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The play gym 100 may include at least a base pad 101 and acanopy 102. In one mode of use, the play gym 100 may be placed orpositioned on a floor. The base pad 101 may include a padded centerportion 101 a and a padded peripheral portion 101 b, the paddedperipheral portion 101 b may form an outer boundary. A seam may beformed between portions 101 a and 101 b, where fabric from each of theportions 101 a and 101 b is joined together. One way to construct thebase pad 101 may include placing a batting, such as polyester batting,on the fabric of the base pad 101, and sewing the fabric together toform the various seams. Stitching between the center portion 101 a andthe peripheral portion 101 b may serve to limit the amount of shiftingof the fill or batting material. In one example, an infant or child maybe placed on the base pad 101, and may interact with various toys orother items such as an item 103 that is suspended from the canopy 102 orattached to the base pad 101. In this manner, the play gym 100 mayprovide a safe, comfortable, and convenient place for the infant tospend time, and also provide stimulation for the baby. The play gym 100may be especially useful for the care of infants who have not yet begunto crawl. Having items attached to the play gym 100 may keep the baby'stoys in a contained area and within the baby's reach. Other benefits arepossible as well.

The base pad 101 may be, for example, made of a soft cloth or fabric,and may be filled with padding such as foam or fiberfill padding orbatting. The base pad 101 may preferably be of a size that is suitablefor holding a baby. For example, the base pad 101 may be about 30 to 36inches across, however other larger or smaller sizes may be used.Further, the base pad 101 may be of any suitable shape, including round,oval, oblong, rectangular, or another shape, such as may be observedwhen the base pad 101 is laid-out or fully deployed as shown in FIG. 1.

The base pad 101 may include a plurality of attachment members 104 a-ceach affixed to an edge portion of the base pad 101. Although three areshown more or fewer attachment members may be provided. The attachmentmembers 104 a-c may be, for example, fabric-covered foam or fiberfillmaterial in a ball shape, or another suitable shape. While theattachment members 104 a-c are preferably compressible, substantiallyrigid shapes could be used as well, for example plastic balls. Each ofthe attachment members 104 a-c may be affixed to the base pad 101 bysewing a portion of a covering of a respective attachment member (e.g.,attachment member 104 b) into an edge seam of base pad 101, by sewing atether to both the attachment member and base pad 101, or by any othersuitable means.

The canopy 102 may be configured to arch over the base pad 101, standingon three legs 105 a-c, forming an arched support frame. The canopy 102may reach a height of, for example, 12-24 inches over the base pad 101,and may be used to hang toys or other items 103 within reach of a babyplaced in or on the play gym 100. Although three legs are shown, morelegs, or perhaps fewer legs, and other dimensions, could be used. Thecanopy 102 may comprise of a surface sheet 106, which may be, forexample, a fabric or plastic sheet, and may be of a single thickness, orcomprise multiple thicknesses of one or more materials. The surfacesheet 106 may be made of multiple pieces integrated together, and thepieces need not be of the same materials. The canopy 102 may alsoinclude at least two semi-rigid rods 107 a and 107 b that may beembedded within the canopy 102. The semi-rigid rods 107 a and 107 b maybe made of, for example, plastic, metal, fiberglass, graphite, orcomposite material, and may be round or another shape in cross-section.The semi-rigid rods 107 a and 107 b may preferably be stiff enough toremain substantially straight when unstressed, to lightly resistbending, and to regain substantial straightness when any bending forceis removed. In one example embodiment, the rods 107 a and 107 b are eachabout 28 inches long and about ¼ inch in diameter, and are made ofunreinforced plastic. Other sizes may be used. Further, in some cases,the rods may include a reinforcement, such as a wire that is coated witha plastic cover, similar to an electrical wire. In some cases, the rodmay be constructed of a metal wire and not include any coating.

First ends of both the rods 107 a and 107 b follow a first leg 105 a ofcanopy 102 to its connection with base pad 101. The rods 107 a and 107 bmay be embedded within edges of the surface sheet 106, but otherplacements may be used. A second end of the first rod 107 a follows asecond leg 105 b to its connection with the base pad 101, and a secondend of the second rod 107 b follows a third leg 105 c to its connectionwith base pad 101. The rods 107 a and 107 b thus support canopy 102 byvirtue of their stiffness, similar to the way a tent may be supported bytent poles.

As described in greater detail below with reference to at least FIG. 5,FIG. 8 and FIG. 11, a clip 301 may be slidingly engaged with rod 107 a.The clip 301 may slide anywhere along rod 107 a to adjust the positionof one or more toys that are coupled to clip 301. This may provide aconvenient way for an individual to adjust the location of a toyrelative to a child. For example, when removing a child from the basepad 101, when changing a diaper or cleaning the baby, the individual mayslide the clip 301 along the rod 107 a to afford better access into theinterior of the tent. To keep the child entertained, the clip 301 may beslid such that the toy hangs over the arched support. Although shownattached to the rod 107 a, it will be appreciated that the clip 301 maybe coupled to any of the rods. Moreover, multiple clips could beattached to a single rod. Also, multiple toys may be chained together,such as toys 122 and 124 of FIG. 1, to increase the length of the toyand provide a different arrangement for the toys that are suspended fromthe base pad 101.

The base pad 101 may also include one or more tracks 130 that may becoupled anywhere along a top or side of the base pad 101. It will beappreciated that tracks 130 are options and may not be included incertain embodiments. In one embodiment, the track 130 is a semi-rigid orflexible rod that may function similar to the rod 107 a in supportingone or more clips 350 as described in greater detail below withreference to at least FIGS. 6, 17, 19, 21 and 22. Further, asillustrated in FIG. 3, the track 130 may comprise of a semi-rigid orflexible rod that is coupled to the base pad 101 by a fabric sleeve 132.More specifically, the sleeve 132 may comprise a fabric strip that hasits lengthwise ends sewn into a seam 133 in the base pad 101 to form atube. The seam 133 is the seam that is formed upon connecting theportions 101 a and 101 b. The rod 107 b may be slid through sleeve 132,or inserted into the sleeve 132, and then ends 136 and 138 of the sleeve132 may be sewn down and incorporated into the seam. Prior to sewing theends 136 and 138 into the seam 133, a clip 350 may be inserted over thefabric sleeve 132. In this way, the clip 350 will not detach from thetrack 130. As another option, the ends of the rod 107 a may be held inpockets to secure the rod 107 a to the base pad 101. In this way, afabric sleeve may be omitted. It will be appreciated that other types oftracks and slidable members could also be used as long as the slidablemember can easily slide along the track and be firmly held in place atany one of multiple desired positions.

One or more toys 126 may be coupled to the clip 350 in a manner similarto that described in connection with other embodiments. This allowsitems, such as toys to be removably coupled with the base pad 101.Further, the location of the items can easily be adjusted by slidingthem along the track 130 using the clip 350. For example, a toy can bemoved to a mid-portion of base pad 101 to provide easy access to the toyby the child. However, when the child needs to be removed from the basepad 101, the clip 350 may be slid to one side to move the toy. Asanother example, the clip 350 may be slid along the track 130 to placethe toy in a different location to provide a different environmentwithin the play structure.

The fabric used to form fabric sleeve 132 may be durable because offriction caused by the slider clip when moving over the rod. The fabricmay durable enough so that the rod will not break through the fabricover time. Preferable fabrics include nylon fabrics such as, forexample, a denier nylon with or without a polyurethane coating.

FIG. 2 shows the play gym 100 of FIG. 1 with some of its partsseparated. In particular, FIG. 2 shows the canopy 102 separated from therest of play gym 100. In this example, canopy attachment loops 108 a-care placed at the lower ends of the legs 105 a-c. The loops 108 a-c maybe configured to engage the attachment members 104 a-c to attach thecanopy 102 to the base pad 101. To make the attachment, each attachmentmember may be passed through its respective loop. When the attachmentmembers 104 a-c are compressible, each attachment member may becompressed to pass through its corresponding loop and then allowed tore-expand. For example, attachment members 104 a-c may be compressedsuch that their volume is reduced by at least about 50% or more tofacilitate their placement through the attachment loops. When released,the attachment members 104 a-c spring back to their original shape andvolume. The canopy attachment loops 108 a-c may also be stretchable, sothat when the loops are unstretched, the loops are smaller than theattachment members. This arrangement may help ensure a secure attachmentof the canopy 102 to the base pad 101, but also allow for easydisassembly of play gym 100. As another option, the loops 108 a-c mayeach be constructed of two straps with ends having a hook and loopfastener material. In this way, the two straps may be wrapped about theattachment members 104 a-c and then secured to each other about theirrespective ends. In some cases, other attachment schemes may be used tocouple the ends to the base pad, with the attachment members serving asornamentation.

The play gym 100 may include one or more openings for attaching items103 to the play gym 100. For example, the surface sheet 106 may includespaced apart holes 109, which may be reinforced by stitching around theperimeter of the hole or by other means. In another example, the basepad 101 or the canopy 102 may include loops such as item attachmentloops 110 shown in FIG. 1. These holes and loops may be used to attachvarious toys. However, the holes and loops may also be used withtraditional toy links, also referred to as “C” clips or “C” links, towhich various items may be attached.

FIG. 4 shows an example item 103 that may be attached to play gym 100 ofFIG. 1. In this example, item 103 is a ball configured to attach to playgym 100, but many different kinds of items may be configured to attachto the play gym 100, including such items as a toy, a block, a pyramidor other geometric shape, a doll, a teething ring, an item comprising amirror, a toy shaped like an animal or insect, a toy shaped like a plantor flower, or another suitable item. Preferably, items attached to theplay gym 100 are selected to be entertaining and stimulating to aninfant placed in the play gym 100.

As is shown in FIG. 4, item 103 includes a main body 201 and acompressible member 202 connected to the main body 201 by a tether 203.Other connection arrangements may be used. The compressible member 202may have any suitable shape, such as a ball shape, a block shape, apyramid shape or other geometric shape, a button shape, a leaf or flowershape, an animal shape, a shape reminiscent of wings, or another shape.The shapes may or may not incorporate sound, light or vibrationfeatures. The compressible member 202 is preferably somewhat larger inits uncompressed state than holes 109 or item attachment loops 110 sothat the item 103 may be attached to the play gym 100 by squeezing orfolding the compressible member 202 through one of holes 109 or itemattachment loops 110 and allowing the compressible member 202 tore-expand or unfold, providing a secure but easily removable connection.This attachment system has the additional advantage that the materialsinvolved may be soft and pliable and all of the parts may be relativelylarge, resulting in a safe environment for the infant.

FIG. 5 shows a first example item 302 attached to the play gym 100 ofFIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of anattachment of an item 302 to the play gym 100. Here, the clip 301 isslidingly engaged with the rod 107 a. One or more clips such as the clip301 may be engaged with any or all rods of canopy 102. In oneembodiment, the rod 107 a is embedded in the play gym 100 so that it isaccessible for engagement with the clip 301. For example, the rod 107 amay be embedded by wrapping rod 107 a in a portion of the surface sheet106. In that configuration, the rod 107 a may be thought of as residingin a tubular pocket sewn into surface sheet 106. Not all of the rod needbe wrapped or embedded. Even if part of a rod is wrapped, some of therod may be left exposed. In some embodiments, the portion of surfacesheet 106 wrapping rod 107 a may be made of a woven nylon or otherdurable fabric, to provide a suitable amount of friction to clip 301,and to resist wear.

FIG. 6A illustrates the clip 301 in isolation. The clip 301 is generallytoroidal, and need not be perfectly toroidal. A slotted passage 303 isprovided at one side of clip 301. The slotted passage 303 may beconfigured to slidingly engage the rod 107 a. The rod and slottedpassage may be any size, so long as the passage 303 is sized so that theclip 301 is easily slid along the rod, but will maintain its position onthe rod when left at rest. This kind of sliding fit may be facilitatedby the natural compliance of a portion of the surface sheet 106 that maybe wrapped around the rod, and by the split configuration of the passage303. That is, a surface of the slotted passage 303 is in contact withthe surface sheet 106. The clip 301 may be substantially rigid so thatit is not reasonably removable from the rod without sliding clip 301past an end of the rod.

Once the clip 301 is engaged with the rod 107 a the fabric or othermaterial wrapping rod 107 a may engage with a slot 304 of the passage303, and limit the rotation of the clip 301 around the rod 107 a. A hole305 formed by the clip 301 may provide an opening configured forattaching items to the play gym 100. For example, the compressiblemember 306 of item 302 may be passed through the hole 305 to hang theitem 302 from the canopy 102. Multiple clips 301 may be provided on theplay gym 100, and one or more clips may be provided on any or allsemi-rigid rods used to support a canopy. Any or all clips 301 mountedon the canopy 102 may be easily moved to adjust the positions of itemssuch as item 302 attached to the canopy 102 using clips 301.

It will be appreciated that many variations are possible in theconfigurations of the items to be attached to a piece of child careequipment such as play gym 100. For example, referring again to FIG. 1,item 111 may comprise a mirror surface (which may be surrounded bysuitable padding) to allow the child to see a reflection of himself orherself. Item 111 may also comprise two compressible members 112 and113, which as shown in FIG. 1 are passed through two of item attachmentloops 110, to constrain the position of item 111. In contrast, item 302as shown in FIG. 5 may exhibit a main body in the shape of an animal.Other items may have main bodies shaped like insects, plants, flowers,geometric shapes, or other objects that may entertain or stimulate thechild.

In some embodiments, an item attached to a piece of child care equipmentmay generate sound. For example, a ball or other item may be filled witha material that makes a crackling sound when the ball is squeezed,encouraging the child to interact with the item. An attached item couldinclude an electronic sound generating device that plays music, animalsounds, tells a story, or generates some other kind of sound when theitem is squeezed, caused to move, or otherwise activated. In addition,an item may also incorporate a light feature and/or a vibration featurewhich can be activated by movement or a switch, also encouraging thechild to interact with the item. An example of a light feature mayinclude a small, steady or flashing light emitting diode (“LED”)integrated with a battery for power and an on/off switch, or a motionsensor and circuitry that powers off the LED after a period during whichmotion is not sensed. An example of a vibration feature may include asmall motor or other transducer that generates a steady or intermittentvibration, similarly integrated with a battery for power and an on/offswitch, or a motion sensor and circuitry that powers off the transducerafter a period during which motion is not sensed.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate an embodiment of the clip 350, FIG. 1, ingreater detail. The clip 350 may comprise of a clip body 352 that isgenerally toroidal in geometry. Here, the clip body 352 has a slot 354leading to a passage 356 through which a rod, such as rod 107 b, willslide. The slot 354 may be wide enough to allow a fabric sleeve (such asfabric sleeve 132, FIG. 3) to slide through it, and the passage 356 maybe sized to be just large enough so that it may smoothly slide over therod and fabric sleeve, such that the clip 350 may be moved easily (e.g.,by an infant or baby) along the track 130. When the passage 356 is toolarge, the clip 350 may be too loose and may not easily slide, and maybe able to separate from the rod. Conversely, if the clip 350 is toosmall, then the clip 350 may bind against the sleeve and/or rod makingmovement difficult. Thus, the rod should be small enough that it can bewrapped in the nylon fabric forming the sleeve and still have the clipslide, but not so small that the clip snaps off the rod and presents asafety hazard. The passage in the clip 301 may be sized in a similarmanner. The clip 350 may also define a central opening 358 where acompressible member of a toy may be place similar to other embodimentsdescribed herein.

Another feature of the clip 350 is that the slot 354 is generallyperpendicular to the clip body, while with the clip 301 the slot 304 isparallel to the clip body. This may permit the clip 350 to be generallyparallel to the base pad 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1 so that it doesnot stick up and interfere with the baby's play. With the clip 301, theclip body is generally aligned with the fabric on the arched support.While the clip body does extend from the rod, this does not interferewith the baby's play, and also allows the toy to more easily hang fromthe arched support. In some cases, clips may be constructed where theslot is at different angles relative to the clip body, such as 15degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees and the like, to permit theclip body to be at different angles relative to the adjacent fabric orbase layer.

Many variations are also possible in the shapes of the compressiblemembers used to attach items to the child care equipment. For example,compressible member 202 shown in FIG. 4 may be reminiscent of leaves,animal ears, or wings, whereas the compressible member 306 shown in FIG.5 is in the shape of a ball. Other possible shapes include a flattenedball or button shape, other geometric shapes, leaf and flower shapes oranimal shapes.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a second example play gym 700 is shown inaccordance with the present disclosure. In many aspects, the play gym700 may be similar to the play gym 100 discussed above in connectionwith at least FIG. 1. For example, the play gym 700 may include at leasta base pad 702 and a canopy 704. In one example, an infant or baby maybe placed on the base pad 702, and may interact with additional toys orother items such as an item 706 that may be suspended from the canopy704, an item 708 that may be coupleable to the base pad 702, and an item710 that may generally be used within the context of the environment ofthe play gym 700, shown as a pillow in FIG. 7. In this manner, the playgym 700 may provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient place for aninfant or baby to spend time, and also provide stimulation for theinfant or baby. The play gym 700 may be especially useful for the careof infants who have not yet begun to crawl, or are learning sit withoutassistance. Having items attached to the play gym 700 may keep thebaby's toys in a contained area, and within the baby's reach. Otherbenefits are possible as well. For example, the play gym 700 mayencourage beneficial activity or activities such as stretching, sitting,reaching, and others to promote physical and psychological developmentof a child.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 8, the play gym 700 of FIG. 7 isshown with some of its parts separated. The base pad 702 may include apadded center portion 712 and a padded peripheral portion 714. A seam716 may form a boundary between the padded center portion 712 and thepadded peripheral portion 714, where fabric from each of these portionsmay be joined together. The base pad 702 may be formed by placing abatting such as, for example, fiberfill padding or polyester batting ona soft cloth or fabric (not shown in FIG. 8; see FIG. 15) of base pad702, and sewing the fabric together to form various seams, including atleast seam 716. Thus, seam 716 may limit an amount of shifting of thefill or batting material within base pad 702. With respect toaesthetics, fabric of center portion 712 may generally have or exhibitparticular coloring, patterning, and/or print, whereas fabric ofperipheral portion 714 may generally have or exhibit a particularcoloring, patterning, and/or print that is the same, similar, or atleast partially different than that of the center portion 712. In thismanner, the base pad 702 may be constructed so as to exhibit any desiredcombination of coloring, patterning, and/or print, to appeal todifferent consumers or consumer groups who may have different tastes inregards to aesthetically pleasing qualities or attributes of the playgym 700.

The base pad 702 may be of a size that is suitable for holding a baby.For example, the base pad 702 may be about 41 inches by about 40 inches,to provide plenty of room for an infant or baby to stretch, scoot, roll,and etc However, it is contemplated that other larger or smaller sizesmay be used. Further, the base pad 702 may be of any suitable shape,including round, oval, oblong, rectangular, or another shape, such asmay be observed when the base pad 702 is laid-out or fully deployed asshown in FIG. 8.

The base pad 702 may include a plurality of coupling members 718 a-c,each affixed to an edge portion 720 of the base pad 702. Although threeare shown, more or fewer coupling members 718 may be provided. One ormore of the coupling members 718 a-c may be, for example, fabric-coveredfoam or fiberfill material within fabric of base pad 702, forming alocal ball shape, or another shape as desired. While the couplingmembers 718 a-c may be compressible, substantially rigid shapes could beused as well. For example plastic balls may be disposed within fabric ofthe coupling members 718 a-c. In one embodiment, each one or more of thecoupling members 718 a-c, such as the coupling member 718 a, may beformed by sewing a portion of a covering of a respective coupling memberinto an edge seam 719 of the base pad 702, by sewing a tether (e.g.,like any of tether 750, FIGS. 10A-10C, tethers 1284 and 1292, FIG. 12,or tether 1634, FIGS. 16A-10C) to both the coupling member 718 a and thebase pad 702 for example, or by any other suitable means. An example ofcoupling the base pad 702 to the canopy 704 using one of couplingmembers 718 a-c is discussed in detail below in connection with at leastFIGS. 9A-9C.

The canopy 704 may be configured to arch over the base pad 702, standingon three legs 722 a-c, forming an arched support frame. The canopy 704may extend to a height of, for example, 12-24 inches over the base pad702, and may be used to hang toys or other items within reach of a babyplaced in or on the play gym 700. Although the example canopy 704 isshown to include three legs, more legs, or perhaps fewer legs, and otherdimensions, could be used. Further, each of the legs 722 a-c may beformed at least partially of a semi-rigid wire or rod that may be madeof, for example, plastic, metal, or a composite material, and may beround or another shape in cross-section. Each of the legs 722 a-c mayalso include sheathing such as foam and/or fabric that envelops the wireor rod. The semi-rigid wires or rods may preferably be stiff enough toremain substantially straight when unstressed, to lightly resistbending, and to regain substantial straightness when applied bendingforce is removed. In one example embodiment, the rods are each about 28inches long and about ¼ inch in diameter, and are made of unreinforcedplastic. Other sizes may be used. A lower end of each of legs 722a-c maybe coupled with a respective loop or ring 732 a-c, that in turn may becoupled with a corresponding one of the coupling members 718 a-c, asdiscussed further below.

In one embodiment, the legs 722 a-c may be formed as an integralstructure. In this example, the canopy 704 may correspond to a unitaryelement so that canopy 704 may not be disassembled to separate the legs722 a-c from one another. A molding or extrusion type process, forexample, may be used to form such a structure. In another embodiment,canopy 704 may correspond to a multi-piece element so that the canopy704 may be disassembled to separate or disconnect at least one of legs722 a-c from one another. Here, a coupling 724, illustrated as coupling724 a in broken lines within the canopy 704 in FIG. 8, may take the formof a “T”-shaped coupling. For example, in an embodiment, where anexternal thread of the leg 722 a may be mated to a first internal threadof the coupling 724 a, an external thread of the leg 722 b may be matedto a second internal thread of the coupling 724 a, and an externalthread of the leg 722 c may be mated to a third internal thread of thecoupling 724 a to assemble the canopy 704. It is contemplated that thecanopy 704 may be disassembled by a reverse process. Such animplementation may be beneficial, for example, when it is desired todeconstruct and store the play gym 700. In another embodiment, acoupling or other attachment scheme may permanently or removably joinany of legs 722 a-c with one another, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B,discussed further below.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, respective ones of the legs722 a-c may be coupled to the coupling 724 a by an interference orsnap-together fit, where an appropriate end of each one of legs 722 a-cmay be “pushed” or “snapped” into a particular receiving aperture of thecoupling 724 a. Similar to the above-mentioned thread-like couplingmechanism, such an implementation may be beneficial when it is desiredto deconstruct and store the play gym 700. Still other embodimentsand/or benefits are possible as well.

In general, the legs 722 a-c of the canopy 704 may be formed of aplastic, a metal, a composite, etc. In some embodiments, the legs 722a-c may covered by a soft cloth or fabric that may exhibit anyparticular print or pattern as desired. This may serve to protect aninfant or other individual from direct contact or interaction with legs722 a-c. For example, a sleeve 726 of soft cloth or fabric may be fittedover each of the legs 722 a-c. The sleeve 726 may or may not be sewnalong one or more seams. In some embodiments, the legs 722 a-c may alsobe covered by a padding material such as foam, for example, to furtherprotect an infant or other individual from direct contact or interactionwith the legs 722 a-c. In this example, the padding material may beformed as a sleeve or tube that has a slit so that the padding materialmay be fitted to the legs 722 a-c, and then the sleeve 726 may by fittedover the padding material. Other embodiments are possible.

As described in greater detail below with reference to at least FIGS.10-11, a clip 728 may be slidingly engaged with a rod 730 that isrigidly affixed or coupled to a particular one of the legs 722 a-c.Although a single rod is shown in FIGS. 10-11, the play gym 700 mayexhibit at least one other rod that may be rigidly affixed or coupled toanother particular one of the legs 722 a-c. The clip 728 may slide alongthe rod 730 to adjust the position of one or more items such as toysthat may be coupled to the clip 728. This may provide a convenient wayfor an individual to adjust the location of a toy relative to a child.For example, when a child is lying down on the base pad 702 for a diaperchange, the individual may slide the clip 728 along the rod 730 so thatthe toy is closer to ground level, so that the child or infant may reachthe toy. In another example, the individual may slide the clip 728 alongthe rod 730 so that the toy is further from ground level, for exampletowards an apex of the canopy 704, when the child is sitting on the basepad 702, so as to encourage the child to “reach” to promote developmentof motor skills and/or muscle mass. Although described as a clip, itwill be appreciated that a variety of slidable members may be used withany of the tracks described herein. The slidable members are slidablycoupled to the track in any mechanical manner such that they may slidealong the track. Also, the slidable members may be configured to permitan item to easily be coupled to the slidable member. This may beaccomplished, for example, by including a slot or opening in theslidable member, or using other attachment mechanisms, such as snaps,ties, a hook and loop fastener material, and the like.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate coupling of a flexible ring 732 to a tetheredcoupling member 718. In particular, FIG. 9A shows the ring 732 (e.g.,any one of rings 732 a-c, FIG. 8) proximate the coupling member 718(e.g., any one of coupling members 718 a-c, FIG. 8). In this example,the coupling member 718 attaches to a peripheral portion 714 (e.g., theperipheral portion 714 of the base pad 702, FIG. 8) via a tether 734,while the ring 732 attaches to an end of a leg 722 (e.g., one of legs722 a-c, FIG. 8). Further, the coupling member 718 is compressible suchthat an individual may compress the coupling member 718 and push thecoupling member 718 through the ring 732. For example, FIG. 9B shows thecoupling member 718 partially pushed through the ring 732, and FIG. 9Cshows the coupling member 718 completely pushed through the ring 732. Inthe condition shown in FIG. 9C, the tether 734 is disposed within anopening formed by the ring 732 so that the peripheral portion 714 andthe coupling member 718 are disposed on opposite sides of the ring 732.The manner in which the peripheral portion 714 and the coupling member718 are coupled to the ring 732 may make it difficult for a baby orinfant to decouple the same from the ring 732. However, an adult orolder child, for example, could reverse the steps shown in FIGS. 9A-9Cto disconnect the ring 732 from the peripheral portion 714 and thecoupling member 718.

Sizing of coupling member 718 can also affect the degree to whichcoupling member 718 and ring 732 may or may not be operable by an infantor baby. For example, making coupling member 718 larger than a typicalinfant or baby hand size (e.g., around 3 inches in diameter or larger)decreases the chance that a curious or otherwise motivated baby may beable to squeeze coupling member 718 hard enough to compress it and allowits decoupling from ring 732.

Advantageously, the coupling illustrated in FIGS. 9A-C may be similar toother connections that may be made in accordance with the presentdisclosure. For example, a similar connection may be formed by the useof “baby friendly” items that do not present sharp edges or swallowableobjects. That is, the present coupling system has the additionaladvantage that the materials involved may be soft and pliable and all ofthe parts may be relatively large, resulting in a safe environment forthe infant. Also, when ring 732 is made of resilient material, it ispossible (and may be necessary) to utilize two hands to couple ordecouple ring 732 with coupling member 718, In this case, one hand maystretch ring 732 while the other hand compresses coupling member 718 andpushes it through ring 732. Because two-handed cooperation is typicallynot within a skill set of an infant or baby, the two-handed mode ofcoupling or decoupling adds a further layer of “baby-proofing” to theassembly and/or disassembly of embodiments herein.

For example, FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an example item 706 being attachedto the play gym 700 of FIG. 7. In this example, the item 706 istoy-shaped like an animal that comprises at least one tether 750 betweena main body 752 and a coupling member 754. The example tether 750 ismade to look like a limb (arm or leg) and the coupling member 754 ismade to look like a hand of the animal; in this case, clearly any of theother limbs could also act as tethers and coupling members could alsorepresent other hands or feet of the toy. FIG. 10A shows the item 706with the coupling member 754 proximate the clip 728. The clip 728 isslidingly engaged with the rod 730 (see e.g., FIG. 7). Attachment of theitem 706 to the clip 728 may be perfected in a manner similar toconnection of the coupling member 718 a to the ring 732 as discussedabove in connection with FIGS. 9A-9C. For example, FIG. 10A shows theclip 728 proximate the coupling member 754. In this example, thecoupling member 754 attaches to a main body 752 via a tether 750, whilethe clip 728 attaches to the rod 730. Further, the coupling member 754is compressible such that an individual may compress the coupling member754 and push the coupling member 754 through the clip 728. For example,FIG. 10B shows the coupling member 754 partially pushed through the clip728, and FIG. 10C shows the coupling member 754 completely pushedthrough the clip 728. In the condition shown in FIG. 10C, the tether 750is disposed within an opening of the clip 728 so that the main body 752and the coupling member 754 are disposed on opposite sides of the clip728.

FIG. 11 shows movement of an exemplary clip 728 of play gym 700, FIG. 7.Clip 728 is slidingly engaged with rod 730 such that a user 770 caneasily move clip 728 along rod 730, for example in the direction ofarrow 760.

FIG. 12 shows a variety of items coupled or associated with a base pad1202 that is similar to the base pad 702 of play gym 700, FIG. 7. Basepad 1202 may include a padded center portion 1212 and a paddedperipheral portion 1214; a seam 1216 may form a boundary therebetween. Aflower shaped toy 1280 is shown, coupled with the base pad 1202 in thesame manner as item 706 couples with the leg 722 in FIGS. 10A-10C. Thatis, the toy 1280 includes a main body 1282, a tether 1284 and a couplingmember 1286 that couple with a clip 1288 of the base pad 1202. A ballshaped toy 1290 is also shown; the toy 1290 includes a main body 1291, atether 1292 and a coupling member 1293 that couple with a fabric loop1294 of the base pad 1202. It should be noted that the fabric loop 1294serves the same attachment function as the clip 1288 in terms ofcoupling the toy 1290 to the base pad 1202, but differs in that thefabric loop 1294 is fixedly stitched to the base pad 1202 instead ofslidingly engaged to a rod, like the clip 1288. Coupling members 1286and 1293 are each shown in FIG. 12 as resembling a pair of “leaves” witha seam therebetween; coupling and decoupling their associated toys 1280and 1290 involves compressing the “leaves” together along the seam,similar to the method discussed further below in connection with FIGS.16A-16C.

FIG. 12 also shows a toy 1295 and a pillow 1296. Toy 1295 and the pillow1296 also include flexible loops 1297 and 1298 respectively, which canfacilitate attachment to the base pad 1202 (or the canopy 1204, or otheritems) if suitably sized and tethered coupling members are provided.

FIG. 12 also shows the clip 1288 sliding along a rod 1230 thatterminates in end pockets 1232 a-b. As shown and discussed below inconnection with FIG. 14, the end pockets 1232 a-b secure ends of the rod1230 such that when the clip 1288 abuts either of the end pockets 1232a-b the clip 1288 is blocked from further movement along the rod 1230and does not disengage from the rod 1230.

FIG. 13 shows the base pad 1202, FIG. 12, with one edge turned back toshow underside 1203. The underside 1203 is formed of a non-slip materialthat helps the base pad 1202 remain stationary as it is subjected tonominal forces exerted by, for example, a squirming baby lying upon it,inadvertent nudges from other persons and pets, etc. A line 15-15′indicates a portion of the base pad 1202 that is shown in cross-sectionin FIG. 15, discussed below.

FIG. 14 shows a portion of the base pad 1202, enlarged to show detailsof the end pocket 1232 a. The end pocket 1232 a may be formed forexample of a fabric panel stitched over an end of the rod 1230.Alternatively, the end pocket 1232 a may be a pocket of material thatencloses the end of the rod 1230, and attaches to seam 1216, arranged toallow some freedom of movement of rod 1230 relative to peripheralportion 1214, but without allowing the end of the rod 1230 to emergefrom end pocket 1232 a. Because the end of the rod 1230 is not exposed,the clip 1288 (see FIG. 12) cannot slide off of the end of the rod 1230,advantageously providing a “stop” for movement of the clip 1288 alongthe rod 1230 but preventing the clip 1288 from sliding off of the end ofthe rod 1230.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the base pad 1202that is denoted by line 15-15′, FIG. 13. As discussed in connection withFIG. 12, base pad 1202 may include a padded center portion 1212 and apadded peripheral portion 1214; a seam 1216 may form a boundarytherebetween. The padded center portion 1212 may be formed of an upperfabric portion 1205 a and a lower fabric portion 1208 a that enclose apadding material 1206. The peripheral portion 1214 may be formed of anupper fabric portion 1205 a and a lower fabric portion 1208 a thatenclose a padding material 1207. Fabric portions 1205 a and 1205 b maybe of a single piece of fabric, or may be different pieces of fabricthat are stitched together at seam 1216; similarly, fabric portions 1208a and 1208 b may be of a single piece of fabric, or may be differentpieces of fabric that are stitched together at seam 1216. Similarly,padding materials 1206 and 1207 may be formed of a single piece ofpadding that is stitched through by seam 1216, or may be formed ofdifferent pieces of padding. Fabric portions 1205 a and 1205 b may be asoft cloth or fabric; padding materials 1206 and 1207 may be fiberfillpadding or polyester batting.

FIGS. 16A-C show coupling of a flower-shaped toy 1380 with a fastener inthe form of a fabric loop 1394 that is attached to a base pad of a childcare equipment system (e.g., base pad 101, FIG. 1, base pad 702, FIG. 7,or base pad 1202, FIG. 12). The toy 1380 includes a main body 1382 (anobject having a flower shape), a tether 1334 and a coupling member 1318that couple with the fabric loop 1394. In this example, the couplingmember 1318 consists of two submembers 1319 a, 1319 b (shown in a spreadconfiguration in FIG. 16A) that are compressible by folding about a seam1320. Coupling member 1318 couples the toy 1380 to an object (e.g., theperipheral portion 714 of the base pad 702, FIG. 8, or the peripheralportion 1214 of the base pad 1202, FIG. 13) via the tether 1334.Further, the coupling member 1318 is compressible by squeezingsubmembers 1319 a, 1319 b together such that coupling member 1318becomes smaller than an opening presented by fabric loop 1394. Anindividual may compress the coupling member 1318 and push the couplingmember 1318 through the fabric loop 1394. FIG. 16A shows the fabric loop1394 proximate the coupling member 1318, with submembers 1319 a, 1319 bin the spread position. FIG. 16B shows the coupling member 1318 withsubmembers 1319 a, 1319 b in a compressed position and partially pushedthrough the fabric loop 1394. FIG. 16C shows the coupling member 1318completely pushed through the fabric loop 1394.

Coupling member 1318 is resilient such that when submembers 1319 a, 1319b are released after having been pushed through fabric loop 1394,submembers 1319 a, 1319 b return to the spread configuration, as shownin FIG. 16C. In the condition shown in FIG. 16C, the tether 1334 isdisposed within an opening formed by the fabric loop 1394 so that themain body 1382 and the coupling member 1318 are disposed on oppositesides of the fabric loop 1394. The manner in which the main body 1382and the coupling member 1318 are coupled to the fabric loop 1394 maymake it difficult for a baby or infant to decouple the same from thefabric loop 1394. However, an adult or older child, for example, couldreverse the steps shown in FIGS. 16A-16C to disconnect the toy 1380 fromthe fabric loop 1394. Advantageously, the connection illustrated inFIGS. 16A-C may be similar to other connections that may be made inaccordance with the present disclosure. For example, a similarconnection may be formed by the use of “baby friendly” items that do notpresent sharp edges or swallowable objects.

FIGS. 17 -21 illustrate additional details of how a track may beattached to a piece of child care equipment, for example play gym 100,FIG. 1, or play gym 700, FIG. 7.

FIG. 17 shows one way of attaching a track at a seam in a piece of childcare equipment having a shell with two layers 1501 a and 1501 b. In thisview, a rod or welt 1502 is shown in cross section, and serves as atrack. For example, welt 1502 may be made of extruded, foam, plastic, orrubber. Rod or welt 1502 is wrapped in a sleeve 1503, shown in dashedlines. As is described above, sleeve 1503 may be made of a materialhaving good durability and strength, for example nylon or anothersuitable material. Preferably, sleeve 1503 is sewn along stitching line1504 to snugly capture rod or welt 1502 within sleeve 1503, leaving twolayers of sleeve 1503 protruding to form a tab 1505.

In this example, the shell is made in two layers 1501 a and 1501 b, witha padding or fill material 1506 between them. During construction, theedges of layers 1501 a and 1501 b may be generally aligned with the edgeof tab 1505, and the four thicknesses of materials (layers 1501 a and1501 b, and two thicknesses of sleeve 1503) sewn together alongstitching line 1507. It may be convenient to make the attachment ofsleeve 1503 to the shell with the shell “inside out”. Once the shell isnearly complete, it may be turned “outside out” and filled with paddingor fill material 1506. In this way, any edges of layers 1501 a and 1501b and sleeve 1503 that might be subject to fraying are inside thefinished product. A clip 350 or other clip according to embodiments ofthe invention may be engaged with rod or welt 1502, and the ends ofsleeve 1503 addressed to capture rod 1502 longitudinally. Alternatively,rather than sewing sleeve 1503 and layers 1501 a and 1501 b together ina single operation, rod or welt 1502 wrapped in sleeve 1503 may be sewnto either layer 1501 a or 1501 b in one operation, and then to the otherlayer in a later operation, so that there may be three stitching linesat a particular seam.

Rod or welt 1502 is preferably spaced from the body of the child chareequipment by a distance D that is sufficient to enable clip 350 to slidefreely without catching on layer 1501 a or layer 1501 b. For example,spacing D may be about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch, or more preferablyabout ⅛ inch to about 3/16 inch.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show another way of attaching a track to a piece ofchild care equipment, in accordance with other embodiments of theinvention. The technique of FIGS. 18 and 19 may be especially useful forconstruction of items that are generally flat but include padding, forexample play pads, liners for shopping carts or strollers, or othersimilar items.

In FIG. 18, a rod or welt 1502 has been previously wrapped in sleeve1503 and sleeve 1503 sewn along stitching line 1504 to capture rod orwelt 1502. Shell layers 1501 a and 1501 b are then stacked together withtab 1505 of sleeve 1503. In addition, a layer of sheet batting or otherpadding 1508 is also stacked together with tab 1505 and shell layers1501 a and 1501 b. In this configuration, the sides of layers 1501 a and1501 b that will form the outside of the product are facing each other.The combined shell layers 1501 a and 1501 b, tab 1505 of sleeve 1503,and padding 1508 are stitched together along stitching line 1509, whichmay extend along a portion or nearly all of the perimeter of theproduct. The stitching operation is preferably done with the product“inside out”, and a small portion of the perimeter of the product isleft unsewn, to allow for turning the product “outside out”.

FIG. 19 shows the arrangement of layers once the product is turned“outside out” and a clip 350 is attached. The small previously unsewnportion of the product perimeter may then be finished with outsidestitching or other finishing. A clip such as clip 350 is assembled ontothe track at any suitable stage of the process, but preferably beforethe ends of the track are fully finished.

FIG. 20 shows one way of attaching a track at an edge of a piece ofchild care equipment having a single layer of material 1601. In thisview, a rod or welt 1602 is shown in cross section, and serves as atrack. Rod or welt 1602 is wrapped in a sleeve 1603, shown in dashedlines. Preferably, sleeve 1603 is sewn along stitching line 1604 tosnugly capture rod or welt 1602 within sleeve 1603, leaving two layersof sleeve 1603 protruding to form a tab 1605. Each of the two layers oftab 1605 may then be folded under, and the single layer of material 1601inserted between them, and the five resulting layers of material sewntogether along stitching line 1606. In this way, any edges of material1601 or sleeve 1603 that might be subject to fraying are captured andhidden within tab 1605, between stitching lines 1604 and 1606.Alternatively, sleeve 1603 could be made of a self-edged material, andmaterial 1601 simply sewn between the two thicknesses of tab 1605,leaving the edges of sleeve 1603 exposed. A clip 301 or other clipaccording to embodiments of the invention may be engaged with rod orwelt 1602, and the ends of sleeve 1603 addressed to capture rod or welt1602 longitudinally. It will be recognized that this technique couldalso be used to attach a track at an edge of a piece of child careequipment having multiple layers capable of being captured within tab1605.

FIG. 21 shows another way of attaching a track to a piece of child careequipment having a shell with two layers 1701 a and 1701 b. In thisview, a welt 1702 is shown in cross section, and serves as the track.Welt 1702 is extruded, for example of foam, plastic, or rubber, toinclude an integrally formed flange 1703. Flange 1703 may be used toattach welt 1702 to layers 1701 a and 1701 b by sewing flange 1703 intothe seam between layers 1701 a and 1701 b. The sewing may be donesimultaneously, such as along stitching line 1704 capturing layers 1701a and 1701 b and flange 1703 in a single pass, or flange 1703 may besewn to the layers one at a time. Flange 1703 enables welt 1702 to beattached without being wrapped in a sleeve. The main portion of welt1702 (to which flange 1703 is connected), could be hollow, for exampleforming a tube with an opening along its length, or may be fully formedof the welt material, without any hollow portion. It will be recognizedthat welt 1702 having flange 1703 could also be attached to a singlelayer shell, or to a multiple-layer shell with both layers on the sameside of flange 1703. Many other configurations are possible. Welt 1702having a flange 1703 may replace a sleeve-wrapped welt or rod in anysuitable application, for example the applications shown in any of theFigures.

FIG. 22A and 22B show a way of capturing the ends of a piece of welt ina seam between two fabric or other flexible layers 1801 a and 1801 b.FIG. 22A shows the assembly from the finished side of the seam, such asthe outside of a product, and FIG. 22B shows the assembly from theunfinished side of the seam, such as would be found on the inside of aproduct. Layers 1801 a and 1801 b are joined along seam 1802. For muchof the seam visible in FIGS. 22A and 22B, a track 1803 is sewn into seam1802, for example by wrapping a piece of welt in a fabric sleeve 1807and sewing the sleeve into seam 1802 as described above. At a pointwhere it is desired that track 1803 ends, track 1803 is turned inward,so that end 1804 of track 1803 will reside inside the finished product.Stitching 1805 is simply continued across track 1803 to capture track1803 securely in seam 1802. The point at which track 1803 is turnedinward also provides a stop that prevents a clip such as clip 350 fromsliding past that point, and/or from coming off of track 1803. Ifdesired, multiple stitching passes 1806 may be made over track 1803 tolend strength to the connection.

FIGS. 23A and 23B schematically illustrate a method of forming acoupling 724 b that joins legs of a canopy (e.g., canopy 102 or canopy704 as described herein). Coupling 724 b may be formed at low cost byjointly forming legs 722 a, 722 b and 722 c with one or more commoncenter rods or wires, and affixing ends of outer sheathing (such as afoam material) of such legs with a material such as heat-shrink tubingor an adhesive tape. Elements of FIGS. 23A and 23B are not necessarilydrawn to scale, but illustrate relationships among elements that formcoupling 724 b.

In FIG. 23A, leg 722 a is shown as sheathing 725 a that partiallyenvelops two wires 723 a, 723 b. At an end of sheathing 725 a, wire 723a continues into a leg 722 b and wire 723 b continues into a leg 722 c,where each of the respective wires are partially enveloped by sheathing725 b and 725 c. A section of a connector material 727 is schematicallyshown as surrounding ends of legs 722 a, 722 b and 722 c where coupling724 b is to be formed; section 727 is shown as transparent for clarityof illustration. In an embodiment, connector material 727 may beheat-shrink tubing (shown in an unshrunk state in FIG. 23A);alternatively, a length of adhesive tape may be wrapped around ends oflegs 722 a, 722 b and 722 c as connector material 727. Also, it will beappreciated that the legs 722 a, 722 b and 722 c may also be covered orenveloped with a cloth of other fabric that covers the sheath and wire.

In FIG. 23B, coupling 724 b is schematically shown as completed.Relative to the condition illustrated in FIG. 23A, connector material727′ is shown as tightly conforming about ends of legs 722 a, 722 b and722 c to hold the legs together (e.g., as expected if connector material727′ is heat-shrink tubing in its shrunken state, or tightly wrappedadhesive tape). Wire 723 b and sheathing 725 c corresponding to leg 722c are bent just past the edge of connector material 727′, so that theoverall form of legs 722 a, 722 b and 722 c, as coupled, resembles aT-shape. In the illustrated embodiment, wire 723 b that forms the coreof leg 725 c is ductile enough to be bent as shown, but also rigidenough to retain its shape once bent, so that legs 722 a, 722 b and 722c form the T-shape. However, other embodiments may utilize differentmaterials, and/or may be joined to form different shapes or. Legs mayinclude not only one or two, but more than two wires or rods, may bejoined in different numbers and may form different combinations thanshown in FIGS. 23A and 23B. As noted, elements in FIGS. 23A and 23B arenot necessarily drawn to scale, and it is appreciated that materials,sizes and lengths of wires 723, sheathing 725 and connector material727, 727′ may be chosen to provide appropriate size, weight and othermechanical properties for a given embodiment. Also, an aestheticallypleasing fabric may be placed about the legs.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes ofclarity and understanding. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that certain changes and modifications may be practicedwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A play gym system, comprising: a canopy formed bya plurality of rods, wherein a canopy track is fixedly coupled to aparticular one of the plurality of rods, and a canopy clip is slidinglycoupled with the canopy track; a padded base coupled to the canopy sothat the canopy arches over the base, wherein a base track is fixedlycoupled to the base, and a base clip is slidingly coupled with the basetrack; and at least one item that includes a main body and a couplingmember coupled to the main body by a tether, wherein the coupling memberis resilient so that the item is coupled to one of the canopy clip andthe base clip when the coupling member is compressed and inserted withinan opening of the one of the canopy clip and the base clip so that thetether extends at least partially through the opening.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the coupling member is a ball-like padded item enclosedby a piece of fabric, and is compressible to a size smaller than theopening so that when the coupling member is compressed and passedthrough the opening the coupling member and the main body are exposed onopposite sides of the opening.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thecoupling member is a padded item enclosed by a piece of fabric, and iscompressible to a size smaller than the opening by folding about a seamso that when the coupling member is folded about the seam and passedthrough the opening the coupling member and the main body are exposed onopposite sides of the opening.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thecoupling member has a shape selected from the group consisting of: ashape of a ball; a shape of a block; a shape of a pyramid; a shape of abutton; a shape of a tree leaf; a shape of a flower; a shape of ananimal; and a shape of a wing.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a first fabric type covering the canopy track, and a secondfabric type covering each of the plurality of rods, and wherein thecanopy track is fixedly coupled to the particular one of the pluralityof rods by the first fabric type covering the canopy track and thesecond fabric type covering each of the plurality of rods.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the child care equipment system is selected from thegroup consisting of: a play gym; a play yard; a playpen; a swing; a babybouncer; a stroller; a changing pad; and a changing pad cover.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the item is selected from the groupconsisting of: a toy; a doll; a ball; a mirror; a block; a pyramid; ateething ring; a toy shaped like an animal or insect; a toy shaped likea plant or flower; an item that generates sound; an item that generatesvibration; and an item that generates light.
 8. The system of claim 1,further comprising at least one pillow that has at least one flexibleloop coupled thereto, wherein the item is coupled to the loop when thecoupling member is compressed and passed through an opening of the loopso that at least a portion of the tether is positioned within theopening of the loop.
 9. A play gym system, comprising: a plurality ofsemi-rigid rods that form a frame; a frame track coupled to a particularone of the semi-rigid rods; a ring-shaped frame member having a passagethat is engaged with the frame track and an opening for attaching anitem to the frame; and a base coupled to the frame, wherein the basecomprises: a padding enclosed by a fabric; a base track coupled to aportion of the fabric; a ring-shaped base member having a passage thatis engaged with the base track and an opening for attaching the item tothe base; and a plurality of resilient coupling members spaced apart andeach affixed to an edge of the base via a tether, wherein a flexibleloop positioned at an end of each of the plurality of semi-rigid rodsdefines an opening so that a particular one of the coupling members whencompressed and positioned through the opening couples the frame to thebase.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of semi-rigidrods forms a tripod frame.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein theplurality of semi-rigid rods are integrally formed together.
 12. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the plurality of semi-rigid rods are coupledtogether by a removable coupling.
 13. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising a fabric covering the frame track, and wherein the framemember includes a passage that is in contact with the fabric coveringthe frame track.
 14. The system of claim 9, further comprising a fabriccovering the base track, and wherein the base includes a passage that isin contact with the fabric covering the base track.
 15. A play gymsystem, comprising: a padded base including at least three resilientmembers spaced apart and each affixed to an edge of the base by atether, a base cylindrical member fixedly coupled to a surface of thebase, and a base clip slidingly coupled with the base cylindricalmember; and a frame coupleable to the padded base and including at leastthree poles, a frame cylindrical member fixedly coupled to a surface ofa particular one of the poles, and a frame clip slidingly coupled withthe frame cylindrical member, wherein a resilient loop positioned at anend of each of the poles defines an opening so that the tether of aparticular one of the resilient members extends at least partiallythrough the opening when the particular one of the resilient members iscompressed and inserted within the opening, thereby coupling acorresponding pole to the base.
 16. The play gym system of claim 15,further comprising a padded material covering each one of the poles, anda fabric covering the padded material covering each one of the poles.17. The play gym system of claim 15, wherein the base clip is formedfrom a plastic material.
 18. The play gym system of claim 15, whereinthe frame clip is formed from a plastic material.
 19. The play gymsystem of claim 15, wherein the base clip includes a passage that is incontact with a fabric covering the frame cylindrical member.
 20. Theplay gym system of claim 15, wherein the frame clip includes a passagethat is in contact with a fabric covering the base cylindrical member.21. A child play gym system, comprising: a padded base that comprises afill material enclosed within a fabric; a plurality of rod-like membersthat are operably coupled to the base so as to arch over the paddedbase; a slidable member that is slidably coupled to one of the rod-likemembers so as to be slid to different locations relative to the rod-likemember to which is it slidably attached, wherein the slidable memberincludes at least one opening that is configured to permit anentertainment device to be coupled to the slidable member, and whereinsliding of the slidable member along the rod-like member permits theentertainment device to be positioned at various locations above thepadded base.
 22. A system as in claim 21, further comprising a basetrack that is fixedly coupled to the base, and a base slidable memberthat is slidingly coupled with the base track.